Portrait Guide

Staff Headshot

#1 Wear business professional attire.

Wear solid neutral colors, such as blue, grey, green, brown, off-white, and beige. Try to utilize what you already have in your closet. If you have any questions, contact the photographer.

Refrain from wearing any bold, distracting patterns. Avoid striped clothing or clothing with fine lines because it could create a weird optical effect called moire pattern, where competing patterns compete for visual dominance.

#2 Keep it simple

Wear simple jewelry that will not distract but enhance your appearance.

WOMEN CLOTHING RECOMMENDATIONS: pants, skirt, dress, blouse, short-sleeve top, long-sleeve top, and blazer.

MEN CLOTHING RECOMMENDATIONS: pants, button-down shirt, collared shirt, blazer, sweaters, pull-overs, etc.

Admissions Counselor Headshot

#1 Wear “Mercer-spirited” business professional attire.

Try incorporating mercer colors/accent colors, such as orange, white, black, and blue, into your outfit. For men, this may look like wearing an orange bowtie or tie with orange accents. For women, maybe wear an orange top. If you don’t yet own “Mercer-spirited” attire, please opt to wear solid neutral colors, such as blue, grey, green, brown, off-white, and beige. Try to utilize what you already have in your closet. If you have any questions, contact the photographer.

#2 Keep it simple

Refrain from wearing any bold, distracting patterns. Avoid striped clothing or clothing with fine lines because it could create a weird optical effect called moire pattern, where competing patterns compete for visual dominance. Wear simple jewelry that will not distract but enhance your appearance.

WOMEN CLOTHING RECOMMENDATIONS: pants, skirt, dress, blouse, short-sleeve top, long-sleeve top, and blazer.

MEN CLOTHING RECOMMENDATIONS: pants, button-down shirt, collared shirt, sweaters, pull-overs, etc.

Student Headshot

#1 Dress business casual.

Unless otherwise specified, you should pick out an outfit that is business casual. Please avoid overly distracting bold patterns, instead opt for block colors and bring a jacket should you choose to wear a sleeveless top.

#2 Review our clothing recommendations.

Women may want to choose from pants, a skirt, or a dress, and a blouse, short-sleeve top, or long-sleeve top. While men may choose to wear pants with a button-down shirt, collared shirt, sweater, or pullover.

#3 Pay attention to detail.

It’s a good idea to iron or steam your clothes the night before the shoot. Brush or style your hair on the day and opt for simple makeup.

#4 Make sure you know why you are having your headshot taken.

Depending on the school or organization you are in and why you are being photographed you may be expected to wear something that identifies you as being part of that group or participating in that activity. You can see examples of this below.

Student Group Shoot

#1 Wear neutral colors.

Neutral colors and “earth tones” (off-white, gray, brown and beige, green, and blue) are ideal because they work well together. In group shoots it’s important your outfits complement one another.

#2 Avoid bold patterns.

Try to stick to solid colors. If multiple people are wearing patterns, they may clash and be distracting. We also ask that you don’t wear clothes with logos.

#3 Dress appropriately for the occasion.

Wear something comfortable, modest, and appropriate for the time of year when your shoot is taking place. Avoid crop tops, inappropriate-length shorts, and jeans with holes. Wear footwear that is easy to walk in. Our photographers may request you bring more than one outfit or a second layer so we can get a variety of shots.

#4 Pay attention to detail.

It’s a good idea to iron or steam your clothes the night before the shoot. Brush or style your hair on the day and opt for simple makeup.

Alum/Environmental Portrait

#1 Match your Brand 

Before the shoot, discuss possible photo locations so we can accurately capture your company’s/personal brand. Choose clothes that fit or match your brand color palette. If your brand is more casual, you might opt for a blazer and a top with a fun pop of color. If your brand is professional, then maybe wear bold or dark colors!

#2 When in doubt, wear neutral colors.

Neutral colors and “earth tones” (off-white, gray, brown, beige, green, and blue) are ideal because they work well together. Wearing these colors is always a safe bet! 

#3 Avoid bold patterns.

Try to stick to solid colors. If multiple people are wearing patterns, they may clash and be distracting. We also ask that you don’t wear clothes with logos.

#5 Pay attention to detail.

Ironing or steaming your clothes the night before the shoot is a good idea. Brush or style your hair on the day and opt for simple makeup.